LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif met the newly appointed Consul General of China, Sun Yan, here Wednesday in which both sides agreed to further strengthen strategic cooperation and promote the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor. During the meeting, the Chinese Consul General invited the Chief Minister to visit China, an invitation that she accepted with thanks. The meeting also reaffirmed the commitment to further strengthen Pakistan–China friendship and work together for shared prosperity. Both sides emphasised enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, infrastructure, energy and information technology while expanding economic and cultural exchanges between the Government of Punjab and the Chinese Consulate. The Chief Minister congratulated Sun Yan on assuming his diplomatic responsibilities in Lahore. She appreciated China’s continued defence cooperation with Pakistan and its role in helping ease tensions with other countries, describing the friendship between Pakistan and China as exemplary. Speaking on the occasion, Consul General Sun Yan said China deeply values its longstanding friendship with Pakistan. He described Sino–Pakistan relations as a shining example of strategic trust, mutual respect and unwavering solidarity. He also appreciated Pakistan’s firm commitment to regional peace, stability and development and expressed interest in further strengthening economic cooperation with businesses and development partners in Punjab. The CM Maryam Nawaz stated that China has played an important role in Pakistan’s regional security, sovereignty and development. She noted that Punjab is keen to strengthen cooperation with Chinese partners in industrial development, technological collaboration and urban management. She highlighted that Punjab aims to accelerate economic growth through industrialisation, logistics corridors and technology partnerships under CPEC. The province is developing Special Economic Zones for Chinese investors, including opportunities at the Allama Iqbal Industrial City and the Quaid-e-Azam Business Park, where a Garments City is being prepared for Chinese investors, she added. Maryam Nawaz Sharif said, “Punjab is offering investment opportunities for foreign investors in textiles, agriculture, renewable energy, electric mobility, waste management and information technology.” Copyright Business Recorder, 2026